Tips to Get the Best Deals on Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines is known for its rock-bottom fares, but with their bare-bones pricing model, getting the best deal requires some strategy. While Spirit offers some of the lowest base fares in the industry, additional charges for luggage, seat selection, and other amenities can quickly add up. To help you get the most bang for your buck, we’ve compiled a list of tips to ensure you get the best deals on Spirit Airlines while avoiding unnecessary costs.

1. Book Early (But Not Too Early)

One of the best ways to score a great deal on Spirit Airlines is to book your flight as early as possible. Typically, the further in advance you book, the lower your fare. However, Spirit’s pricing model also has a sweet spot when it comes to booking. According to experts, the ideal time to book a Spirit flight is about 2 to 3 months before your departure. Booking too early may not offer the best discounts, and waiting until the last minute can result in higher prices.

Keep an eye out for fare sales and promotions from Spirit, as these often offer deeper discounts, especially if you can be flexible with your travel dates.

2. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

Flexibility is key when trying to score the best deals on Spirit Airlines. Fares can vary greatly depending on the day of the week, time of day, and season. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be cheaper days to fly, while Fridays and Sundays, which are popular for weekend getaways, often have higher prices.

Avoid traveling during peak holiday seasons like Christmas, New Year’s, or Thanksgiving, as prices will naturally spike. If you can plan your trip around these busy times, you’ll find better fares. Additionally, flying at less convenient times, such as early morning or late-night flights, may also offer lower ticket prices.

3. Sign Up for Spirit’s $9 Fare Club

Spirit Airlines offers a membership program called the $9 Fare Club that gives you access to exclusive discounts on flights, including access to their lowest fare deals. For a nominal yearly fee, members can book flights at lower prices and also enjoy discounts on bags, seat assignments, and other add-ons.

While the $9 Fare Club membership isn’t free, it can easily pay for itself if you travel frequently with Spirit. If you’re planning to fly on Spirit multiple times a year, signing up for this program could help you save a significant amount on both your ticket and other fees.

4. Keep an Eye Out for Spirit’s Flash Sales

Spirit often runs flash sales that offer massive discounts on flights. These sales typically only last for a limited time and can sell out quickly, so you’ll need to act fast when you spot one. To stay in the loop on these flash sales, sign up for Spirit’s email newsletter, follow them on social media, and check deal aggregation websites that track airline sales.

Flash sales can save you a substantial amount on airfare, so if you’re flexible with your travel dates, these events are a great opportunity to secure the lowest possible fares.

5. Pack Light to Avoid Baggage Fees

One of the biggest expenses when flying with Spirit is baggage fees. Spirit allows only one free personal item (e.g., a small backpack or purse), but anything beyond that comes with an additional charge. These fees can add up quickly, so packing light is a smart way to save money.

If you can, avoid checking a bag altogether. Consider packing everything into a smaller carry-on bag or using your free personal item to fit the essentials. If you must check a bag, be sure to prepay for it online when booking your flight, as Spirit’s baggage fees are cheaper when purchased in advance compared to at the airport.

6. Don’t Pay for Seat Selection Unless Necessary

Spirit Airlines charges extra for seat selection, which means you can save a little more by opting for a random seat assignment. While this means you won’t get to choose where you sit, it’s a great way to keep your fare costs down. If you’re willing to take whatever seat is available when you board, you can save money by skipping the seat selection fee altogether.

However, if sitting next to a companion or in an exit row is important to you, be prepared to pay extra for your seat assignment.

7. Use Spirit Miles for Discounted Flights

Spirit Airlines operates a frequent flyer program called Free Spirit, which allows you to earn miles for every flight you take. These miles can be redeemed for discounts on future flights, seat upgrades, and other perks. If you fly with Spirit regularly, it’s worth signing up for Free Spirit and accumulating miles that can help reduce the cost of your future trips.

Additionally, Spirit often runs promotions where you can earn extra miles or redeem miles for even bigger savings, so keep an eye out for these deals.

8. Check for Bundle Deals

Spirit Airlines offers bundles known as The “Bundle It” option, which includes a variety of add-ons at a discounted rate. These bundles typically include options like:

• One checked bag
• A carry-on bag
• Seat selection
• Priority boarding

If you know you’ll need some of these extras, bundling them together can save you more money than purchasing each add-on separately. Just be sure to do the math and check whether the bundle offers real savings based on your needs.

9. Book Round-Trip Flights (When Possible)

Booking a round-trip flight can sometimes be cheaper than booking two one-way flights. Spirit Airlines occasionally offers discounted round-trip fares that provide better overall savings compared to booking separate one-way tickets. Even if your travel plans might change, it’s still worth comparing the cost of round-trip flights with two one-way flights to see which option gives you the best deal.

10. Check the Total Price Before You Finalize Your Booking

While Spirit Airlines might lure you in with low base fares, their additional fees can add up quickly. Before you hit that "finalize" button on your booking, make sure you review the full cost, including baggage fees, seat selection, and any other add-ons. Sometimes, a flight that seems cheap at first may end up costing more than a slightly higher base fare with fewer additional charges.

Final Thoughts

Spirit Airlines can be a great option for budget-conscious travelers who are willing to trade luxury and comfort for a cheaper ticket. By following these tips – from booking early to avoiding unnecessary add-ons – you can maximize your savings and get the best possible deal on your next Spirit flight.

Remember, the key is flexibility. If you’re willing to be strategic about your travel dates, luggage, and add-ons, you can enjoy Spirit’s affordable fares while avoiding the hidden costs that can catch you off guard. Safe travels!